Long-term care: Samsung extends 6-year software support to budget Galaxy A36 and A26

Samsung is pushing the boundaries of budget smartphone support with its newest Galaxy A-series phones, creating unprecedented longevity in the sub-$500 market. The company’s commitment to six years of software updates for devices starting at just $300 represents a significant shift in the affordable smartphone segment, where extended support has traditionally been reserved for premium devices. This move comes as Apple exits the truly affordable market with its $599 iPhone 16e, creating an opportunity for Samsung to capture more budget-conscious consumers seeking long-term value.

The big picture: Samsung’s new Galaxy A36 and A26 phones will receive six years of software updates, making them unique in the budget smartphone market.

• This marks a substantial increase from the previous four Android OS updates and five years of security updates offered on earlier models.
• The extended support timeline means these affordable devices will remain secure and feature-rich for much longer than typical budget smartphones.

Key details: The Galaxy A36 costs $400 while the Galaxy A26 starts at $300, with both becoming available in the US by late March.

• Samsung also teased the Galaxy A56, a $500 device coming later in 2025.
• All three phones feature 6.7-inch AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates and IP67 water resistance.

Design upgrades: The new A-series phones feature several physical improvements over their predecessors.

• Samsung has implemented a distinct camera module with linear lens layout.
• The phones are slimmer and lighter with a glossy finish, incorporating Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus+ for enhanced durability.

Hardware specifics: Each model offers different performance tiers while maintaining similar core specifications.

• The Galaxy A26 uses an Exynos 1380 processor with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage (expandable via microSD).
• The Galaxy A36 runs on Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.
• All models feature 5,000mAh batteries and 50MP main cameras with optical image stabilization.

AI capabilities: The budget devices include some Galaxy AI features from Samsung’s flagship phones.

• Users can access enhanced Circle to Search functionality for translating screen content and identifying music.
• An upgraded Object Eraser feature helps remove unwanted background elements from photos.

Market context: Samsung’s announcement comes between Apple’s iPhone 16e launch and Nothing’s upcoming Phone (3a) series debut.

• With Apple’s “cheap” iPhone priced at $599, Samsung has an opportunity to capture more budget-conscious consumers.
• The six-year update promise could be particularly appealing to customers seeking long-term value from affordable devices.